Launcher adapter

ABSTRACT

A launcher adapter provides a versatile arrangement for using available launchers, e.g., standalone grenade launchers, to accommodate a variety of rounds, and can reduce the need for multiple launchers. The launcher adapter can include a durable, reusable adapter body configured to be loaded into a launcher. The adapter body can include a front portion with a charge end and charge end opening, a rear portion with a base end that includes a base end opening configured to receive a shell of a preselected type and an annular peripheral rim configured to engage the rear end of the launcher breech to prevent the adapter body from sliding out of the front end of the launcher when the adapter is loaded into the launcher, and a central bore extending through the adapter body along the longitudinal axis thereof, the central bore connecting the charge end opening and the base end opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/411,997, filed Nov. 10, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosed subject matter is generally directed to firearms, and more particularly, to grenade launchers and methods to adapt various rounds so that they can be loaded in an adapter and fired from a grenade launcher.

2. Description of Related Art

Known grenade launchers can come in the form of standalone weapons (either single-shot or repeating) or attachments mounted under the barrel of rifles such as the M16 or AK-47. A typical standard grenade round is the 40 mm grenade, which has a wide variety of applications in man-portable and vehicle-mounted weapons. Another standard caliber for use in various grenade launcher applications is the 37 mm round.

Standalone grenade launchers include the M79 (single-shot) and the Milkor MGL (repeating). These are mostly single shot, manually reloaded weapons firing 30-40 millimeter high-explosive ammunition.

Grenades can also be fired from an underbarrel weapon attachment that can be mounted on a rifle. In underbarrel systems, the rifle portion and launching portion of the weapon can both be carried loaded and ready to fire. Underbarrel tubes generally have their own trigger and use the rifle's magazine as a grip for the firing hand. To fire, one simply changes grips, disengages the safety and pulls the trigger. Examples of modern attached man-portable grenade launchers include the GP-30, AG36, Mk 13 and M203, which mount to service rifles.

Known short 12 gauge rounds, such as 1⅝ (approximately 1¾) inch signal flares and pepper rounds, for example, can be shot out of 12 gauge plastic flare pistols. Typical uses for 12 gauge signal flares include emergency situations while hunting, fishing, camping, boating and some military and police applications. Pepper rounds can be used for emergency hunting situations or in military or police riot control situations. Firing a flare or pepper round is typically done using a 12 gauge pistol, but this requires a dedicated launcher beyond the readily available M79 launcher, for example, can suffer from durability issues, can quickly degrade after use and can require expensive replacements.

Known 26.5 mm flare pistols are available that fire 26.5 mm flares. The flares can be used for distress signals and other purposes such as marking a position. These flares and pistols can be used by recreational and commercial boaters, hunters, and commercial and recreational fishing operations. The flares are available in red, green, white, and blue smoke and are currently commercially available to the general public. The typical 26.5 mm flare is a one-time use item. Currently, a 26.5 mm pistol is the only known means of launching a 26.5 mm flare.

Known wildlife control devices are used to disperse birds and wild animals from crop farms, fish farms, feed lots, orchards, berry farms, tree farms, marinas, airports, private air strips, military installations and anywhere else animals must be deterred or controlled. An example of a wildlife control device is a projectile that travels 250 to 300 feet once fired and emits a loud noise as it flies downrange. A known means of launching wildlife control devices uses a 22 caliber blank pistol with a 15 mm adapter. This known wildlife control device is only manufactured in a 15 mm version.

The 15 mm adapter can come in two types. One form is an integral adapter. That means that the launching device (e.g., pistol) is manufactured all in one piece. The control device is inserted in the barrel end of the pistol and the 22 caliber blank is inserted in the back of the pistol under the cocking lever that is then cocked. When the trigger is pulled, the cocking lever hits the blank sending a charge down the barrel, igniting the wildlife control device and launching it out of the pistol barrel.

A second type is a 22 caliber blank pistol with a screw-on 15 mm adapter. The method of loading and launching is the same for both devices. These two launch devices are manufactured by two different companies and are marketed independently. In summary, the actual known launch method itself is limited to one basic mechanism only, and that is the 22 caliber blank pistol with a 15 mm adapter, either integral or screw-on as described above.

SUMMARY

The disclosed subject matter provides a more versatile, durable and cost-effective arrangement for using available launchers, e.g., standalone grenade launchers, to accommodate a variety of rounds and can reduce the need for multiple launchers.

In an illustrative embodiment, a launcher adapter can include an adapter body configured to be seated within the bore of a launcher. The adapter body can include a front portion with a charge end, wherein the charge end includes a charge end opening; a rear portion with a base end, wherein the base end can include a base end opening, the base end opening being configured to receive a shell of a preselected type and an annular peripheral rim configured to engage the rear end of the launcher breech to prevent the adapter body from sliding out of the front end of the launcher when the adapter is loaded into the launcher. A central bore can extend through the adapter body along the longitudinal axis thereof, with the central bore connecting the charge end opening and the base end opening.

In an embodiment, the launcher can be a grenade launcher.

In an embodiment, a diameter of the adapter body can be selected so as to seat the adapter body in the bore of at least one of a 37 mm grenade launcher and a 40 mm grenade launcher.

In an embodiment, the adapter body can be unitarily constructed from a single material composition. In an embodiment, the adapter body can be constructed of a metal material. In an embodiment, the metal comprises aluminum.

In an embodiment, the shell of a preselected type can be selected from at least one of a short 12-gauge shotshell, a full-size 12-gauge shotshell, a 12-gauge flare, a 26.5 mm flare, a 12-gauge beanbag round and a 12-gauge pepper round.

In an embodiment, the exterior of the front portion of the adapter body can have a diameter less than the exterior of the rear portion of the adapter body.

In an embodiment, the diameter of the central bore at the front portion of the adapter body can be less than the diameter of the central bore at the rear portion, thereby defining a ledge portion within the bore, wherein the ledge portion is substantially flat.

In an embodiment, an extraction groove can be located forward of the annular peripheral rim on the exterior of the rear portion of the adapter body.

In an illustrative embodiment, a launcher adapter can include an adapter body configured to be seated within the bore of a launcher. The adapter body can include a front portion with a charge end, wherein the charge end can include a charge end opening; a plurality of holes disposed in the adapter body front portion, where the holes can be located equidistantly on either side of the charge end opening and extending rearward along the longitudinal axis of the charge end opening; a rear portion with a base end, wherein the base end can include a base end opening, the base end opening being configured to receive a shell of a preselected type; and an annular peripheral rim configured to engage the rear end of the launcher breech to prevent the adapter body from sliding out of the front end of the launcher when the adapter is loaded into the launcher. A central bore can extend through the adapter body along the longitudinal axis thereof, with the central bore connecting the charge end opening and the base end opening.

In an embodiment, the shell of a preselected type can be selected from at least one of a short 20-gauge shotshell and a full-size 20-gauge shotshell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As will be realized, different embodiments are possible, and the details disclosed herein are capable of modification in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a 37 mm to 12 gauge adapter.

FIG. 2 shows a view looking at the base end of an embodiment of a 37 mm to 12 gauge adapter.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of an embodiment of a 37 mm to 26.5 mm flare adapter.

FIG. 4 shows a view looking at the base of an end of an embodiment of a 37 mm to 26.5 mm flare adapter.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of an embodiment of a 37 mm wildlife control device adapter.

FIG. 6 shows a view looking at the base end of an embodiment of a 37 mm wildlife control device adapter.

FIG. 7 shows a view looking at the charge end of an embodiment of a 37 mm wildlife control device adapter.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of an embodiment of a 40 mm to 12 gauge adapter.

FIG. 9 shows a view looking at the base end of an embodiment of a 40 mm to 12 gauge adapter.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of an embodiment of a 40 mm to 26.5 mm flare adapter.

FIG. 11 shows a view looking at the base end of an embodiment of a 40 mm to 26.5 mm flare adapter.

FIG. 12 shows a side view of an embodiment of a 37 mm wildlife control device adapter.

FIG. 13 shows a view looking at the base end of an embodiment of a 37 mm wildlife control device adapter.

FIG. 14 shows a view looking at the charge end of an embodiment of a 37 mm wildlife control device adapter.

FIGS. 15A-15E show perspective views of embodiments of wildlife control adapters shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 12-14 along with exemplary wildlife control devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To facilitate an understanding of the principles upon which the subject matter disclosed herein is based, exemplary embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to their implementation using standalone, single-shot grenade launchers. It will be appreciated that the practical applications of these principles are not limited to this particular type of system. Rather, they can be equally employed in any other type of launcher system that would provide for an adapter to allow rounds of different dimensions and uses to be loaded and fired from such a launcher.

37 mm to 12 Gauge Adapter

An exemplary embodiment provides a device and method for firing, for example, an approximately 1¾ inch signal flare or an approximately 1¾ inch pepper round or similar object. A 37 mm to 12 gauge adapter can allow a commercially available 1¾ inch flare or pepper round shell case to be loaded into the 37 mm to 12 gauge adapter and be fired from a 37 mm grenade launcher. This embodiment is durable, reusable and environmentally safe. Additionally, this embodiment resembles a 40 mm grenade in look and feel, and is about the same in heft, factors that can help enhance a user's familiarity with the device.

In an embodiment, the device can be CAD designed and CNC machined from solid bar stock rather than being stamped or welded. Edges can be deburred mechanically, for example. In an embodiment, the device can be made of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy to enhance durability and to give an authentic Mil-Spec appearance. Another suitable material is 2011-T3 aluminum alloy. Other suitable techniques for forming the device and other suitable materials can be used, for example, materials such as thermoplastic nylon, glass-filled nylon, other suitable polymers, other suitable metals or a combination of different materials.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a 37 mm grenade-shaped adapter for a commercially available short or cut-down 12 gauge signal flare and pepper round, for example. The terms used to describe features found in this embodiment can be generally applicable to features found in other embodiments. The grenade-shaped adapter resembles a real 40 mm grenade. A real 40 mm grenade typically has a base or lower component end and a charge or upper component end that can be separated manually. In an embodiment, the device disclosed herein can be manufactured as an integral unit where the base and charge do not separate manually, i.e., the body of the adapter can be unitarily constructed from a single material composition. For the purpose of description, the body of the adapters described herein will also be referred to as having a base or lower component end and a charge or upper component end. Thus, the embodiments described herein can be similar in appearance to a real 40 mm grenade and can allow a 12 gauge signal flare or pepper round, for example, to be loaded in the base end of the grenade-shaped adapter, which can then be inserted into a 37 mm grenade launcher, and launched from the charge or upper component end when needed.

Referring to an embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the overall length of the body of grenade-shaped adapter 1 can be about 80 mm and a diameter of all or a portion of the adapter body seated in the launcher's bore can be about 37 mm. The charge end 2 can include a 19 mm diameter charge end opening 3 that extends along a central bore 4. Central bore or center barrel 4 can extend through adapter 1 along a longitudinal axis thereof. The central bore connects the charge end opening 3 with base end opening 7. In an embodiment, a 2 mm difference in diameter between charge end opening 3 and a rear portion of central bore 4 functions to define a ledge portion 5 that can function to prevent a full-size 2¾ inch shotgun shell from fitting into and fully seating in the adapter. In an embodiment, ledge portion 5 can be substantially flat. Such a configuration can be provided to comply with firearms regulation. In other embodiments, the charge end opening and central bore can have the same diameter and not include a ledge portion 5.

The rear portion of central bore 4 can be about 21 mm in diameter and can extend about 44 mm in length. Central bore 4 can then end at base end 6 at base opening 7 that can be about 1 mm deep by 22 mm in diameter. A purpose for base end 6 base opening 7 being an additional 1 mm in width with respect to central bore 4 is the resulting ledge 8 that can function to prevent a flare, for example, from sliding out of charge end opening 3.

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the grenade-shaped adapter's exterior tapers can resemble the shape of a 40 mm grenade. The visible exterior step-down 9 in an embodiment can be about 48 mm away from the charge end 2. This step-down can be provided for realism and esthetic purposes. The visible step-down can represent where a 40 mm grenade charge would connect to the base of a real 40 mm grenade. From the step-down 9 to the top of the flange 10, which can be an annular peripheral rim configured to engage the rear end of the launcher breech, at the base end 6 can be about 29 mm. An annular peripheral rim or flange 10 can be about 3 mm thick, e.g., protruding beyond the diameter of base end 6, and can function to prevent the grenade shaped adapter 1 from sliding out of the launcher barrel when loaded. For example, flange 10 can be configured to engage the rear end of the launcher breech when the launcher adapter is loaded in the launcher.

Referring to an embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the base end 6 of the grenade shaped adapter 1 can provide a 22 mm base opening 7 for, e.g., a commercially available short or cut-down 12 gauge shotgun shell, or short commercially available, e.g., 1¾ inch flare or pepper round. Due to ledge portion 5 (shown as reference numeral 8 in FIG. 1), the base opening 7 can be designed to not fully receive and seat a full-size 2¾ inch shotgun shell, for example, in order to comply with firearms regulations. At a depth of about 1 mm, the 22 mm diameter base opening 7 can reduce to about 21 mm in central bore 4 and continue to a depth of about 44 mm, at which point the interior diameter can be reduced to 19 mm and remain so for the final 35 mm until reaching charge end opening 3. Reference numeral 10 in FIG. 2 represents another view of the flange arrangement 10 shown in FIG. 1.

37 mm to 26.5 mm Flare Adapter

Another exemplary embodiment provides a 37 mm grenade launcher adapter for 26.5 mm flares and is an alternative to a dedicated flare pistol for launching 26.5 mm flares. It allows users of a 37 mm grenade launcher to select another type of projectile that can be launched from the device. In an embodiment, the flare is loaded into the base of the adapter and the flare and adapter are loaded into the breech of a 37 mm launcher and fired.

In an embodiment, the device can be CAD designed and CNC machined from solid bar stock rather than being stamped or welded. Edges can be deburred mechanically, for example. In an embodiment, the device can be made of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy to enhance durability and to give an authentic Mil-Spec appearance. Another suitable material is 2011-T3 aluminum alloy. Other suitable techniques for forming the device and other suitable materials can be used, for example, materials such as thermoplastic nylon, glass-filled nylon, other suitable polymers, other suitable metals or a combination of different materials.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a 37 mm adapter for a 26.5 mm flare. In an embodiment, the overall length of adapter 1 can be 136 mm from the charge end 2 to the base end 3. The charge end 2 presents charge opening 4 which can be 27 mm in diameter and runs longitudinally 135 mm down the length of the adapter 1 as central bore with a constant diameter. Charge opening 4 terminates at base opening 5 of the base end 3. Base opening 5 can be 1 mm deep by 31 mm diameter. A purpose for base opening's 5 enlarged diameter is to provide ledge 6 that can be designed to prevent a flare, for example, from sliding out of the charge opening 3.

Referring to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the exterior of adapter 1 presents step-down 7 that is located 47 mm from the charge end 2. Step-down 7, which can be 1 mm deep, allows the adapter to conform to the interior shape of a 37 mm grenade launcher, for example. A typical 37 mm grenade launcher barrel has an inversely similar ridge located in the breech that is designed to arrest the flare adapter 1 in the barrel at step-down 7. The distance from step-down 7 to the flange 8 can be 81 mm. Flange 8 can be 3 mm wide and can be designed to hold the adapter 1 in the launcher breech.

Referring to an embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the base end 3 of the adapter 1 presents a 31 mm diameter base opening 5 for a 26.5 mm flare. At a depth of 1 mm, the 31 mm diameter base opening 5 reduces to 27 mm in diameter and continues 135 mm to charge opening 4. A function of the resultant 1 mm deep by 2 mm wide ledge 6 around the rear aspect of charge opening 4 is to prevent a flare, for example, from sliding out of the charge opening 4. Reference numeral 8 in FIG. 4 represents another view of the flange arrangement 8 shown in FIG. 3.

As an example of using the device shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a 26.5 mm flare can be inserted in the base end 3 of adapter 1. The flare and adapter 1 can then be loaded into the breech of a 37 mm grenade launcher. The breech is then closed, the launcher is manually cocked, and the flare can be fired by pulling the trigger. The adapter 1 remains in the barrel upon discharge of the flare and can be used again.

37 mm Wildlife Control Device Adapter

Another exemplary embodiment provides an alternative method for launching a wildlife control device. In an embodiment, this can be accomplished with the aid of a 37 mm adapter for a 40 mm grenade launcher. A 40 mm adapter for the 37 mm grenade launcher would provide another alternative method of launching the 15 mm wildlife control device.

Embodiments of the device can be made to be reusable and environmentally safe because the device may be constructed so that it contains no plastic parts or removable metal components, as known types of launchers and adapters do.

In an embodiment, the device can be CAD designed and CNC machined from solid bar stock rather than being stamped or welded. Edges can be deburred mechanically, for example. In an embodiment, the device can be made of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy to enhance durability and to give an authentic Mil-Spec appearance. Another suitable material is 2011-T3 aluminum alloy. Other suitable techniques for forming the device and other suitable materials can be used.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a 37 mm grenade adapter 1 for a 15 mm wildlife control device. In an embodiment, the grenade-shaped adapter resembles a real 40 mm grenade. A real 40 mm grenade typically has a base or lower component and a charge or upper component that can be separated manually. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 can be manufactured as an integral unit and the base and charge do not separate manually. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 may be the same in appearance as a real 40 mm grenade and allows a 15 mm wildlife control device to be launched from a 37 mm grenade launcher.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the overall length of the grenade-shaped adapter 1 can be 81 mm. The grenade-shaped adapter's 1 charge end 2 can be configured to hold a modified wildlife control device, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 15A-15E, in a 31 mm deep by 15 mm diameter charge hole 3. Two 58 mm deep by 7 mm diameter pilot holes 4 located equidistantly 1 mm down on either side of the 31 mm hole 3 can be provided to stabilize the fins of a typical wildlife control device. The 31 mm deep charge hole 3 adjoins a 49 mm long by 18 mm diameter center barrel 5 in the body of the grenade-shaped adapter 1. The 3 mm difference in diameter between charge opening 3 and central bore 5 helps to create ledge 6 that functions to prevent a full-size 2¾ inch shotgun shell from fully fitting into the adapter, thereby complying with various firearms regulations.

Central bore 5 then opens to base end 7 at base opening 8 that is 1 mm deep by 20 mm diameter. A purpose for base end's 7 base opening 8 being an additional 2 mm in diameter with respect to center barrel 5 is that the resulting ledge 9 can be used to prevent the device from sliding out of the charge opening 3.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the grenade-shaped adapter's 1 exterior can taper to resemble the shape of a 40 mm grenade. The visible exterior step-down 10 can be positioned 50 mm down from the charge end 2. This step-down may be provided for realism and esthetic purposes. The visible step-down can represent where a 40 mm grenade charge would connect to the base. In an embodiment, from the step-down 10 to the top of the flange 11 at the base end 7 is 29 mm. The flange 11 can be 3 mm thick and can be designed to prevent the grenade-shaped adapter from sliding out of a launcher barrel.

Referring to an embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the base end 7 of the grenade shaped adapter 1 can be configured with a 20 mm diameter base opening 8. At a depth of 1 mm from the base end 7 of the grenade-shaped adapter 1, the 20 mm base hole opening 8 can reduce to 18 mm diameter and continue 54 mm along central bore 5, at which point the interior diameter can be reduced again to 15 mm diameter and remains so for the final 26 mm of charge opening 3. In an embodiment, due to ledge 6 at the interface between center barrel 5 and charge opening 3, the base opening 8 can be configured to not accept a full-sized 2¾ inch shotgun shell in order to comply with various firearms regulations. In an embodiment, the grenade-shaped adapter 1 can be configured to only accommodate a cut-down 20 gauge 1¾ inch shotgun shell. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 4 represents a rear aspect of the two pilot holes. Also in FIG. 6, reference numeral 11 represents another view of the flange arrangement 11 shown in FIG. 5.

Referring to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, at the charge end 2 of the grenade-shaped adapter 1 there can be two pilot holes 4, each 7 mm in diameter and graduating from 42 mm deep at their shallowest to 58 mm deep at their deepest. There can be a 1 mm space between the charge opening 3 and each of the two pilot holes 4. The equidistant pilot holes 4 can stabilize fins of a typical wildlife control device. Again, reference numeral 11 represents another view of the flange arrangement 11 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

For use, a typical known wildlife control device could be manually adapted by the end user to fit the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 5-7 and described above. The stabilizing fins on a typical wildlife control device can be approximately 122 mm long and could be cut-down to approximately 57 mm long to fit the pilot holes 4 on each side of the grenade-shaped adapter 1. This can be easily accomplished with a pair of metal side cutters, for example. After the wildlife control device is trimmed, it can be inserted into the two pilot holes 4. A primed, trimmed 20 gauge shot gun shell can be inserted into the base end 7 and then the entire unit can be loaded into the 37 mm grenade launcher breech. The breech can then be closed, the launcher can be manually cocked, and the wildlife control device can be fired by pulling the trigger. The adapter 1 can remain in the barrel upon discharge of the wildlife control device and can be used again.

40 mm to 12 Gauge Adapter

Shotguns have been in use since the early 1700s and have been used by law enforcement, sportsmen and the military. A 12 gauge shotgun can fire numerous types of ammunition, such as shot shells, buck shot, slug rounds, several types of specialty ammunition, as well as less-lethal rounds for animal control, riot control or police or military uses, and also less-than-lethal rounds such as bird bombs, rock salt shells, and blank shells.

An exemplary embodiment provides a 40 mm grenade-shaped adapter that can fire 12 gauge shotgun rounds. A 40 mm to 12 gauge adapter allows a 40 mm grenade launcher, for example, to be utilized as an alternative to a 12 gauge shotgun. An embodiment can be used exclusively with less-lethal ammunition. The intention with less-than-lethal ammunition is to incapacitate the intended target without doing grave bodily harm so that a user can take control of the situation and have time to make a decision about follow-up action. Some non-limiting examples of types of ammunition with less-lethal applications include: a bean bag round, a multi-rubber pellet 12 gauge round such as a Hornets Nest projectile, a triple rubber ball 12 gauge round such as a Trident projectile, or a rubber rocket 12 gauge round. The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can offer a user the option to use a 40 mm grenade launcher instead of a 12 gauge shotgun to launch less-lethal projectiles, such as those listed above. Uses for a 40 mm to 12 gauge grenade launcher adapter may be suitable for police riot control applications or military applications.

In an embodiment, the device can be CAD designed and CNC machined from solid bar stock rather than being stamped or welded. Edges can be deburred mechanically, for example. In an embodiment, the device can be made of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy to enhance durability and to give an authentic Mil-Spec appearance. Another suitable material is 2011-T3 aluminum alloy. Other suitable techniques for forming the device and other suitable materials can be used, for example, materials such as thermoplastic nylon, glass-filled nylon, other suitable polymers, other suitable metals or a combination of different materials.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of a 40 mm grenade-shaped adapter for a full-sized 12 gauge 2¾ inch shotgun shell. In an embodiment, the grenade-shaped adapter can be representative of a real 40 mm grenade. A real 40 mm grenade can have a base or lower component and a charge or upper component that can be separated. An exemplary embodiment can be manufactured as an integral unit and may not be separable. An exemplary embodiment may be similar in appearance as a real 40 mm grenade and can be configured to allow a 12 gauge signal flare, pepper round, bean-bag round, and less-then-lethal 12 gauge shells, for example, to be loaded in the base end of the grenade-shaped adapter and launched from a 40 mm grenade launcher.

Referring to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a grenade-shaped adapter 1 may be similar in appearance as a real 40 mm grenade. In an embodiment, adapter 1 can be 91 mm long and configured to allow a full-size 12 gauge 2¾ inch shotgun shell, for example, to be loaded and launched from a 40 mm grenade launcher. Charge end 2 can have a 21 mm diameter charge opening 3 that runs longitudinally 90 mm down the length of the grenade-shaped adapter 1 as a central bore. Charge opening 3 can terminate at base opening 4 of base end 5. Base opening 4 can be 1 mm deep by 22 mm in diameter. A purpose for base opening's 4 enlarged diameter can be to present ledge 6 that can be configured to prevent a shell from sliding out of the charge opening 3.

Referring to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the grenade-shaped adapter's 1 exterior can be tapered to conform to the shape of a 40 mm grenade. In an exemplary embodiment, a step-down 7 on the exterior of adapter 1 can be 50 mm from the adapter's charge end 2. This step down 7 can be provided for realism and esthetic purposes. The step-down 7 can represent where a real 40 mm grenade charge would connect to the base. In an embodiment, the distance from the step-down 7 to the top of the extraction groove 8 can be 32 mm. The extraction groove 8 can be placed for realism and esthetic purposes, as well as to aid in the extraction of the adapter from a 40 mm launcher's breech. In an exemplary embodiment, extraction groove 8 can be 3 mm wide and can run to the edge of flange 9 that is at the adapter's base end 5. The flange 9 can be 3 mm thick and configured to prevent a grenade-shaped adapter 1 from sliding out of a launcher barrel.

Referring to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9, base end 5 of grenade-shaped adapter 1 can present a 22 mm base opening 4 for a full-sized 12 gauge 2¾ inch shotgun shell. At a depth of 1 mm, the 22 mm diameter base opening 4 can reduce to 21 mm in diameter and can continue 90 mm to charge opening 3 along a central bore. Reference numeral 9 represents another view of the flange arrangement 9 as shown in FIG. 8.

40 mm to 26.5 mm Flare Adapter

Another exemplary embodiment provides a 40 mm grenade launcher adapter for 26.5 mm flares and is an alternative to a flare pistol for launching 26.5 mm flares. It allows users of a 40 mm grenade launcher to select another type of projectile that can be launched from the device. In an embodiment, the flare is loaded into the base of the adapter and the flare and adapter are loaded into the breech of a 40 mm launcher and fired.

In an embodiment, the device can be CAD designed and CNC machined from solid bar stock rather than being stamped or welded. Edges can be deburred mechanically, for example. In an embodiment, the device can be made of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy to enhance durability and to give an authentic Mil-Spec appearance. Another suitable material is 2011-T3 aluminum alloy. Other suitable techniques for forming the device and other suitable materials can be used, for example, materials such as thermoplastic nylon, glass-filled nylon, other suitable polymers, other suitable metals or a combination of different materials.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of a 40 mm adapter for a 26.5 mm flare. In an embodiment, the overall length of adapter 1 can be 136 mm from the charge end 2 to the base end 3. The charge end 2 presents charge opening 4 that can be 27 mm in diameter and runs longitudinally 135 mm down the length of the adapter 1 along a central bore. In an embodiment, charge opening 4 terminates at base opening 5 of the base end 3. Base opening 5 can be 1 mm deep by 31 mm diameter. A purpose for base opening's 5 enlarged diameter is to provide ledge 6 that can be designed to prevent a flare, for example, from sliding out of the charge opening 3.

Referring to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the exterior of adapter 1 can be configured with step-down 7 that can be located 91 mm from the charge end 2. Step-down 7, which can be 1 mm deep, allows the adapter to conform to the interior shape of a 40 mm grenade launcher, for example. A typical 40 mm grenade launcher barrel has an inversely similar ridge located in the breech that is designed to arrest the flare adapter 1 in the barrel at step-down 7. The distance from step-down 7 to the top of extraction groove 8 can be 38 mm. Extraction groove 8 can taper for 3 mm to a flat portion, which can then be an additional 3 mm in length, and can adjoin flange 9. Extraction groove 8 can aid in the removal of adapter 1 from a launcher's breech. Flange 9 may be 2 mm wide and can be configured to hold adapter 1 in position in the breech of a launcher.

Referring to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the base end 3 of the adapter 1 presents a 31 mm diameter base opening 5 for a 26.5 mm flare. At a depth of 1 mm, the 31 mm diameter base opening 5 reduces to 27 mm in diameter and continues 135 mm to charge opening 4 along a central bore. A function of the resultant 1 mm deep by 2 mm wide ledge 6 around the rear aspect of charge opening 4 is to prevent a flare, for example, from sliding out of the charge opening 4. Reference numeral 9 in FIG. 11 represents another view of the flange arrangement 9 shown in FIG. 10.

As an example of using the device shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a 26.5 mm flare can be inserted in the base end 3 of adapter 1. The flare and adapter 1 can then be loaded into the breech of a 40 mm grenade launcher. The breech can then be closed, the launcher can be manually cocked, and the flare can be fired by pulling the trigger. The adapter 1 remains in the barrel upon discharge of the flare and can be used again.

40 mm Wildlife Control Device Adapter

Another exemplary embodiment provides an alternative method for launching a wildlife control device. In an embodiment, this can be accomplished with the aid of a 40 mm adapter for a 40 mm grenade launcher. A 40 mm adapter for the 40 mm grenade launcher would provide another alternative method of launching the 15 mm wildlife control device.

Embodiments of the device can be made to be reusable and environmentally safe because the device may be constructed so that it contains no plastic parts or removable metal components, as known types of launchers and adapters do.

In an embodiment, the device can be CAD designed and CNC machined from solid bar stock rather than being stamped or welded. Edges can be deburred mechanically, for example. In an embodiment, the device can be made of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy to enhance durability and to give an authentic Mil-Spec appearance. Another suitable material is 2011-T3 aluminum alloy. Other suitable techniques for forming the device and other suitable materials can be used, for example, materials such as thermoplastic nylon, glass-filled nylon, other suitable polymers, other suitable metals or a combination of different materials.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of a 40 mm grenade adapter 1 for a 15 mm wildlife control device. In an embodiment, the grenade-shaped adapter resembles a real 40 mm grenade. A real 40 mm grenade typically has a base or lower component and a charge or upper component that can be separated manually. The embodiment shown in FIG. 12 can be manufactured as an integral unit and the base and charge do not separate manually. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 may be the same in appearance as a real 40 mm grenade and allows a 15 mm wildlife control device to be launched from a 40 mm grenade launcher.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the overall length of the grenade-shaped adapter 1 can be 92 mm. The grenade shaped adapter's 1 charge end 2 can be configured to hold a modified wildlife control device, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 15A-15E, in a 25 mm deep by 15 mm diameter charge hole 3. Two 58 mm deep by 7 mm diameter pilot holes 4 located equidistantly 1 mm down on either side of the 15 mm diameter hole 3 can be provided to stabilize the fins of a typical wildlife control device. The 25 mm deep charge hole 3 adjoins a 66 mm long by 18 mm diameter center barrel 5 in the body of the grenade-shaped adapter 1. Central bore 5 then opens to base end 6 at base opening 7, which may be 1 mm deep by 20 mm in diameter. A purpose for base end's 6 base opening 7 being an additional 2 mm in diameter with respect to center barrel 5 is the resulting ledge 8 that can be configured to prevent the device from sliding out of charge opening 3.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the grenade-shaped adapter's 1 exterior can taper to resemble the shape of a 40 mm grenade. The exterior step-down 9 can be positioned 52 mm down from the charge end 2. This step-down 9 may be provided for realism and esthetic purposes. The visible step-down can represent where a 40 mm grenade charge would connect to the base. In an embodiment, from the step-down 9 to the top of the extraction groove 10 is 32 mm. The extraction groove 10 can be 3 mm wide and can run to the edge of flange 11 that can be at the adapter's base end 6. The flange or annular peripheral rim 11 can be 2 mm wide and can be designed to prevent the grenade-shaped adapter 1 from sliding out of a launcher barrel.

Referring to an embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the base end 6 of the grenade-shaped adapter 1 can be configured with a 20 mm diameter base opening 7. At a depth of 1 mm from the base end 6 of the grenade-shaped adapter 1, the 20 mm base hole opening 7 can reduce to 18 mm in diameter and continue 66 mm down central bore 5, at which point the interior diameter can be reduced again to 15 mm diameter and remains so for the final 25 mm of charge opening 3. In FIG. 13, the elements designated by reference numeral 4 represent a rear aspect of two pilot holes 4. Also in FIG. 13, reference numeral 11 designates another view of the flange arrangement 11 shown in FIG. 5.

Referring to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 14, at the charge end 2 of the grenade-shaped adapter 1 there can be two pilot holes 4, each 7 mm in diameter and graduating from 42 mm deep at their shallowest to 58 mm deep at their deepest. There can be a 1 mm space between the charge opening 3 and each of the two pilot holes 4. The equidistant pilot holes 4 can stabilize fins of a typical wildlife control device. Again, reference numeral 11 represents another view of the flange arrangement 11 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

For use, a typical known wildlife control device could be manually adapted by the end user to fit the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 12-14 and described above. The stabilizing fins on a typical wildlife control device can be approximately 122 mm long and could be cut-down to approximately 57 mm long to fit the pilot holes 4 on each side of the grenade-shaped adapter 1. This can be easily accomplished with a pair of metal side cutters, for example. After the wildlife control device is trimmed, it can be inserted into the two pilot holes 4. A primed, trimmed or full size primed-only 20 gauge shot gun shell can be inserted into the base end 6 and then the entire unit can be loaded into the 40 mm grenade launcher breech. The breech can then be closed, the launcher can be manually cocked, and the wildlife control device can be fired by pulling the trigger. The adapter 1 can remain in the barrel upon discharge of the wildlife control device and can be used again.

The above description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the devices and methods described herein, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Thus, there is no intention to be limited to the embodiments shown, but rather to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. 

1. A launcher adapter, comprising: an adapter body configured to be seated within the bore of a launcher, the adapter body comprising: a front portion with a charge end, wherein the charge end comprises a charge end opening; a rear portion with a base end, wherein the base end comprises: a base end opening, the base end opening being configured to receive a shell of a preselected type; and an annular peripheral rim configured to engage the rear end of the launcher breech to prevent the adapter body from sliding out of the front end of the launcher when the adapter is loaded into the launcher; and a central bore extending through the adapter body along the longitudinal axis thereof, the central bore connecting the charge end opening and the base end opening.
 2. The launcher adapter of claim 1, wherein the launcher is a grenade launcher.
 3. The launcher adapter of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the adapter body is selected so as to seat the adapter body in the bore of at least one of a 37 mm grenade launcher and a 40 mm grenade launcher.
 4. The launcher adapter of claim 1, wherein the adapter body is unitarily constructed from a single material composition.
 5. The launcher adapter of claim 1, wherein the adapter body is constructed of a metal material.
 6. The launcher adapter of claim 5, wherein the metal comprises aluminum.
 7. The launcher adapter of claim 1, wherein the shell of a preselected type is selected from at least one of a short 12-gauge shotshell, a full-size 12-gauge shotshell, a 12-gauge flare, a 26.5 mm flare, a 12-gauge beanbag round and a 12-gauge pepper round.
 8. The launcher adapter of claim 1, wherein the exterior of the front portion of the adapter body has a diameter less than the exterior of the rear portion of the adapter body.
 9. The launcher adapter of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the central bore at the front portion of the adapter body is less than the diameter of the central bore at the rear portion, thereby defining a ledge portion within the bore, wherein the ledge portion is substantially flat.
 10. The launcher adapter of claim 1, further comprising an extraction groove located forward of the annular peripheral rim on the exterior of the rear portion of the adapter body.
 11. A launcher adapter, comprising: an adapter body configured to be seated within the bore of a launcher, the adapter body comprising: a front portion with a charge end, wherein the charge end comprises: a charge end opening; and a plurality of holes disposed in the adapter body front portion, the holes being located equidistantly on either side of the charge end opening and extending rearward along the longitudinal axis of the charge end opening; a rear portion with a base end, wherein the base end comprises: a base end opening, the base end opening being configured to receive a shell of a preselected type; and an annular peripheral rim configured to engage the rear end of the launcher breech to prevent the adapter body from sliding out of the front end of the launcher when the adapter is loaded into the launcher; and a central bore extending through the adapter body along the longitudinal axis thereof, the central bore connecting the charge end opening and the base end opening.
 12. The launcher adapter of claim 11, wherein the launcher is a grenade launcher.
 13. The launcher adapter of claim 11, wherein a diameter of the adapter body is selected so as to seat the adapter body in the bore of at least one of a 37 mm grenade launcher and a 40 mm grenade launcher.
 14. The launcher adapter of claim 11, wherein the adapter body is unitarily constructed from a single material composition.
 15. The launcher adapter of claim 11, wherein the adapter body is constructed of a metal material.
 16. The launcher adapter of claim 15, wherein the metal comprises aluminum.
 17. The launcher adapter of claim 11, wherein the shell of a preselected type is selected from at least one of a short 20-gauge shotshell and a full-size 20-gauge shotshell.
 18. The launcher adapter of claim 11, wherein the exterior of the front portion of the adapter body has a diameter less than the exterior of the rear portion of the adapter body.
 19. The launcher adapter of claim 11, wherein the diameter of the central bore at the front portion of the adapter body is less than the diameter of the central bore at the rear portion, thereby defining a ledge portion within the bore, wherein the ledge portion is substantially flat.
 20. The launcher adapter of claim 11, further comprising an extraction groove located forward of the annular peripheral rim on the exterior of the rear portion of the adapter body. 